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08.17.17

Alshon Jeffery caught two of five targets for 23 yards in Thursday's preseason game against the Bills.

Impact

Jeffery drew the target on five of Carson Wentz's nine pass attempts, including a third-and-goal from the Buffalo five-yard line. The first two targets were thrown into coverage and well over Jeffery's head, but the duo finally connected for gains of nine and 13 on Philadelphia's fourth drive. Jeffery and Torrey Smith were the starters, with Nelson Agholor coming on the field for three-wide sets. Jeffery and TE Zach Ertz figure to be Wentz's favorite options.

08.17.17

Sean Smith was charged with assault on Thursday, Scott Bair of CSN Bay Area reports.

Impact

It's unclear exactly how the charges against Smith will impact his ability to play this season. At this point, his status is merely in question, since it isn't clear yet how things will pan out.

08.17.17

Anquan Boldin caught one pass for five yards on three targets in Thursday's preseason game against Buffalo.

Impact

Boldin appeared to get snaps both outside and from the slot, after almost exclusively playing inside the past two years in Detroit and San Francisco. He may be moved around out of necessity as part of a shaky receiving corps, especially considering that Jordan Matthews (sternum) has also done his best work from the slot. With Sammy Watkins gone and Matthews sidelined, Tyrod Taylor looked horrific in Thursday's game, often forced to bail on plays and panicking on multiple occasions when he couldn't find an open man. The Bills admittedly were facing a tough opponent and still have time to cobble together a respectable passing attack before Week 1.

08.17.17

Brock Coyle (ribs) was listed as a full participant in Thursday's joint practice with the Broncos, Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee reports.

Impact

The 26-year-old appears to be over the lingering rib injury that cost him a couple days of practice, and he appears ready to start Saturday against the Broncos. Coyle should get a healthy amount of run in the preseason contest with NaVorro Bowman dealing with a minor shoulder injury.

08.17.17

Tyrod Taylor completed eight of 18 passes for 53 yards and tossed a pair of interceptions in Thursday's preseason game against the Eagles.

Impact

Taylor's first pick came on a screen pass that was batted up in the air by a blitzing safety, but the second interception was just a bad throw directly to former teammate Ronald Darby, who had already dropped a potential pick-six earlier in the game. In Taylor's defense, he was playing against one of the most talented front sevens in the league, without the help of recent acquisition Jordan Matthews (sternum). It was still a surprisingly poor performance, considering the 28-year-old tossed only 12 picks in 29 starts the past two seasons. While his initial returns without Sammy Watkins were unquestionably ugly, Taylor mostly got by fine in the past when his oft-injured favorite target was unavailable.

08.17.17

Jay Ajayi lost two yards on two carries and gained 11 yards on one reception in Thursday's preseason game against Baltimore.

Impact

After clearing the last stage of the concussion protocol at the beginning of the week, Ajayi opened Thursday's game with three consecutive touches and then had a 19-yard gain on a 3rd-and-26 wiped out by a penalty. He only played the opening drive, giving way to Damian Williams for the second series of the night. It'll be interesting to see if Ajayi handles passing downs in Miami's third preseason game, as the team has talked about getting him more involved as a receiver this year. Williams and Kenyan Drake (concussion) are both at least competent in that regard, but neither is a proven standout.

08.17.17

Danny Woodhead had one carry for two yards and failed to corral any of his three targets in Thursday's preseason game against the Dolphins.

Impact

Woodhead and Terrance West shared snaps early in the game, with the latter drawing the start and losing two yards on six carries, while the former mostly spent his night dealing with uncatchable passes from Ryan Mallett. It wasn't an encouraging performance for the Baltimore offense, but the split between Woodhead and West fell right in line with expectations. The Ravens are optimistic Joe Flacco (back) will be ready by Week 1.

08.17.17

Julius Thomas (back) caught his only target for a two-yard gain in Thursday's preseason game against the Ravens.

Impact

Though he didn't get a target from starter Jay Cutler, the veteran tight end at least proved he's recovered from the back injury that caused him to miss practice time earlier in the week. Thomas may only be fourth or fifth in line for targets on a team featuring the impressive wideout trio of Jarvis Landry, DeVante Parker and Kenny Stills.

08.17.17

A.J. Derby was held out of practice on Thursday due to a lower-back contusion, Andrew Mason of the Broncos' official site reports.

Impact

Fortunately for Derby, head coach Vance Joseph quickly came out and assured the injury is "nothing serious at all." Derby has had a strong showing in Denver since joining the team in the middle of last season. He has a chance to earn the Week 1 starting role, and his current injury shouldn't impact him at all in that regard.

08.17.17

Juju Smith-Schuster has been diagnosed with a bone bruise in his knee, Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Impact

The ailment is just the most recent for the rookie wideout, who dealt with a slight ankle injury at the beginning of training camp and was evaluated for a potential concussion in the Steelers' first game of the preseason. Head coach Mike Tomlin termed Smith-Schuster "day-to-day" Thursday, which doesn't shed light on his potential to play Sunday versus the Falcons. Perhaps more important is falling behind his primary competition for the slot receiver role, Eli Rogers, due to his continued visits to the trainer's room.

08.17.17

DeVante Parker caught one pass for 16 yards on four targets in Thursday's preseason game against the Dolphins.

Impact

Parker was targeted on three of Jay Cutler's six pass attempts, and it would've been four of seven if not for a holding penalty that wiped out a 31-yard connection. The switch from dump-off artist Ryan Tannehill to the more aggressive Cutler could end up helping Parker, who's produced 15.1 yards per catch and 8.8 per target on limited volume (4.9 targets per game) through two seasons. Cutler won't necessarily share Tannehill's preference for peppering Jarvis Landry with short passes.

08.17.17

Kenny Stills caught his only target for a six-yard gain in Thursday's preseason game against the Ravens.

Impact

DeVante Parker dominated Jay Cutler's attention, drawing three targets on the veteran quarterback's six pass attempts. Stills got his lone target from backup Matt Moore as the Dolphins kept some of their starters in the game after Cutler was removed. Stills seems to have made a full recovery from the minor hamstring injury he dealt with earlier in training camp.

08.17.17

Jay Cutler completed three of six passes for 24 yards while playing two drives in Thursday's preseason game against the Ravens.

Impact

Cutler's highlight was a running throw to DeVante Parker for a 31-yard gain on a 3rd-and-16, though the play was wiped out by a holding penalty. While held back by a poor showing from his offensive line, the 34-year-old quarterback looked surprisingly comfortable for a player who's been with his team for less than two weeks. His previous work with Dolphins coach Adam Gase seems to be easing the transition, and it also helps to have a strong supporting cast at the skill positions. Cutler figures to get extended run against against Philadelphia in the third week of the preseason.

08.17.17

DeAndre Hopkins hasn't practiced since prior to the preseason opener against the Panthers, according to Adam Wexler of KPRC-TV. Head coach Bill O'Brien played down the absence, saying they're merely making sure the wide receiver is ready for the start of the season, but John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reports Hopkins is dealing with a hand injury.

Impact

O'Brien hasn't admitted there's an injury, preferring to talk in coach-speak and told Wexler a few times that Hopkins is "fine." If Hopkins is injured, that means Houston's top three wideouts are dinged up to a varying degree. Will Fuller (collarbone) is the most serious and isn't expected back until mid-season, while Braxton Miller (ankle) hasn't practiced since the Panthers game. Houston's tight ends – C.J. Fiedorowicz and Ryan Griffin – would be the biggest beneficiaries should multiple wideouts require significant time to heal. The injuries clear the way for a slew of wideouts in camp to get some extra snaps, including Jaelen Strong, Riley McCarron and Wendell Williams.

08.17.17

Xavier Coleman has yet to return from the bone bruise he suffered early in training camp, Zach Braziller of The New York Post reports.

Impact

Coleman has been out a couple weeks now and he remains without a timetable for return. His lengthy absence doesn't bode well for his chances at making the roster, which weren't great to begin with.

Impact

After sitting out Tuesday's session, Seals-Jones made a mark in his return, accounting for an acrobatic touchdown grab on an inaccurate throw from fourth-string QB Trevor Knight. Due to the presence of tight ends Jermaine Gresham, Troy Niklas and Ifeanyi Momah in front of him, Seals-Jones has his work cut out for him regarding a spot on the 53-man roster.

08.17.17

T.J. Yeldon is questionable to return to Thursday's game against the Buccaneers after he suffered a hamstring injury.

Impact

Yeldon was checked out by trainers before promptly hopping on an exercise bike during Thursday's game. His injury isn't thought to be serious and he shouldn't miss much practice time, even if he does sit for the remainder of the preseason tilt. Corey Grant and Tim Cook will figure to get some extra carries now that Yeldon is out.

08.17.17

Carlton Agudosi (knee) returned to practice Thursday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Impact

Agudosi was carted from the practice field last Thursday, but after a battery of tests, the team concluded he wouldn't miss a significant amount of time. In his return this Thursday, he recorded one touchdown among several nice receptions. However, the 6-foot-6, 220-pounder remains a candidate for the practice squad due to the Cardinals' depth at wide receiver.

08.17.17

Morris Claiborne (ribs) is looking to bounce back from his injury riddled past and stay healthy in 2017, Bob Glauber of Newsday reports.

Impact

Claiborne has played more than 11 games in a single season just once in his first five years in the league, that being his rookie year. He's dealt with a plethora of injuries but is healthy and working well with his new team so far. He's expected to be a top cover corner for the Jets, and the team could struggle in pass coverage if Claiborne is forced to miss an extended period of time at any point in the season.

Impact

There's no reason to risk Elliott's health with his spot cemented atop the running back depth chart. Moreover, it doesn't hurt to get Darren McFadden and Alfred Morris additional reps with the first-team offense in the event all or part of Elliott's six-game suspension is upheld. For the time being, Elliott's representatives will prepare for an Aug. 29 hearing in front of arbiter Harold Henderson.